The Shu Land is located in the Yizhou, and it can be said to occupy a major part of Yizhou.
Although Yizhou is vast, it mostly consists of mountainous areas, so it only comprises four prefectures in total, with seventy percent of the area occupied by the Shu Land. The Shu Land is divided into three prefectures: the Shu Region, Southern Shu, and Western Shu, plus a Changâan Prefecture that is adjacent to Changhuai State, being the flattest in terrain.
Among the four prefectures, the Shu Region is the largest in terms of area.
For Gu Qingheng, Yizhou and the Shu Land were very familiar; it could be said that the Shu Land was his hometown and the place with the most complicated emotions for him because the Shu Family was in the Shu Land, and so was the Gu Family. He was born and raised in the Shu Land, and the greatest hardships he faced were also there.
Yang Ruxin also thought of this and couldnât help but glance at Gu Qingheng: "While weâre at it, I should also take this chance to pay respects to mother-in-law, and I havenât even met my eldest brother-in-law yet." She paused, "Oh dear, I should think about what gifts to prepare."
Gu Qingheng said nothing, merely holding Yang Ruxinâs hand tightlyâeverything was understood without words.
Two days later, the group reached the border between Changhuai State and Yizhou. This area was Muping Prefecture, just past Yizhouâs border monument was Changâan Prefecture.
"I know thereâs a Huanghua County ahead, it has a large inn called Yunlai Inn. Although itâs a bit off the beaten path, Iâve heard the environment is really nice. Letâs stay there for the night," Yang Ruxin suggested with a bright smile.
Gu Qingheng couldnât help but raise an eyebrow. This girl, why did she choose that inn? Was she holding a grudge? After all, it was at this very inn that Dou Xuemei had arranged to meet him once.
The others had no objections to Yang Ruxinâs arrangement, urging their horses on quickly and soon entering the county town.
It was only around four or five in the afternoon, but since they were already in October, the sky was already starting to darken, and it was getting a bit chilly.
In ancient times, they followed the lunar calendar so it was roughly November by the solar calendar now.
Yunlai Inn wasnât located in the busiest part of the county town, slightly off to the side, so they reached it shortly after entering the town.
"Are the guests here to stay or...?" The innâs Xiaoâer was delighted to see so many people, warmly coming out to greet them, but he paused slightly upon seeing Gu Qingheng, and then smiled even more broadly, "Honored guest, youâre back."
Gu Qingheng had the urge to roll his eyesâthis Xiaoâer actually remembered him.
"Stay and dine as well," Yang Ruxin said with a half-smile, giving Gu Qingheng a sideways glance. "Weâll take all four of the rooms in the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum courtyard."
Gu Qinghengâs eyelid twitched againâhe was certain now, this girl was upset about something. Heâd better make a good impression later.
Because it was cold and there werenât as many travelling traders coming and going, the inn had plenty of vacant rooms today. However, fewer guests didnât mean none at all. Xiaoâer hurriedly apologized with a smile, "My apologies, honored guests, two of the courtyards are already occupied. What do you think...?" As he spoke, he glanced at Gu Qingheng again.
It wasnât really Xiaoâerâs fault. After all, Huanghua County rarely had such an exceptionally graceful person passing through, and Gu Qingheng was too outstanding, especially since there had been some incidents before, making it hard for Xiaoâer to forget.
But this Xiaoâer wasnât stupid; he wouldnât bring it up casually.